The weblog of Norman Geras

May 21, 2006

The Momma 'n' Daddy Collection 62

Ever since I saw Peter May bowled by Neil Adock for 61 in the first Test match I ever watched, I have considered 61 to be an unlucky number. Silly really, because I was supporting South Africa and wanted May out. But anyway I'm not leaving the previous post in this series uncovered for even a day. So you get a double dose here, and you'll be thrilled. John Hiatt is remembering his old man, and it may sound as if he has doubts about things, but stay with him through the whole of the song, 'Your Dad Did':

Well, the sun comes up and you stare your cup of coffee, yup,
Right through the kitchen floor
And you feel like hell so you might as well get out and sell
Your smart ass door to door

The missus wears her robe slightly undone
As your daughter dumps her oatmeal on your son
And you keep it hid
Just like your Dad did
Just like your Dad did

So you go to work just to watch some jerk
Pick up the perks
You were in line to get
And the guy that hired you just got fired
And your job's expired
They just ain't told you yet

So you go and buy a brand new set of wheels
Just to show your family just how great you feel
Acting like a kid
Just like your Dad did
Just like your Dad did

And you're a chip off the old block
Why does it come as such a shock
That every road up which you rock
Your Dad already did

Yeah, you've seen the old man's ghost
Come back as creamed chipped beef on toast
Now if you don't get your slice of the roast
You're gonna flip your lid
Just like your Dad did
Just like your Dad did

Well, the day was long, now supper's on
The thrill is gone
But something's taking place
Yeah, the food is cold and your wife feels old
But all hands fold
As the two-year-old says grace
She says 'Help the starving children to get well
But let my brother's hamster burn in hell'
You love your wife and kids
Just like your Dad did
Just like your Dad did

Just like your Dad did
Just like your Dad did

See.

[The Momma 'n' Daddy Archive, containing all the details of the series, is here.]